Ciongoli Center for Innovation

At Fessenden, we know that creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking are essential 21st century skills. Through classroom projects, cross-divisional collaboration, and our “Innovation Station” Extended Day Program offerings, Lower School boys are introduced to—and develop—these critical skills in our Ciongoli Center for Innovation. Opportunities for student learning are limitless in this flexible and imaginative environment, and are supported schoolwide by our passionate faculty and staff. Exposure to this state-of-the-art facility ensures that boys are familiar with maker concepts such as programming, robotics, engineering, multimedia, and design. And, boys learn to safely use the tools in the space, preparing them for the more advanced opportunities they’ll have in the Ciongoli Center once they reach the Middle and Upper Schools.

Unveiled in September 2016, the Ciongoli Center is comprised of 2,400 square feet and is situated at the physical and ideological heart of campus. Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and an array of tools and materials, the Ciongoli Center encompasses three expansive makerspaces, a machine room, and a collaboration classroom. The new building is adjacent to our Wheeler Library, creating an impressive addition to our 21st century learning resources and providing an inspiring area for faculty and students to advance project-based learning.

Ciongoli Center for Innovation Time Lapse

Our Ciongoli Center can accommodate three different classes simultaneously, enabling teachers to facilitate educational experiences tailored to each grade level. The result is a space that is bursting at the seams with light-bulb moments, successes, failures, and constantly evolving questions, all of which support our iterative learning process. Imagine six- to eight-year-olds mastering circuitry through “Squishy Circuits,” or learning to program through tools like Scratch, Makey Makey, LEGO Robotics, and Osmo. Picture elementary school students claiming the state title in a national robotics competition, or fourth graders building tools to cure common physical disabilities. It all happens here in our Ciongoli Center for Innovation. And, with the help of three full-time faculty members, including a Director of Innovation, an Innovation Coach, and an Academic Technology Advocate, this space both embodies and amplifies Fessenden’s dedication to innovation.